Portable bathtub for maintaining the temperature of water used for bathing

ABSTRACT

A portable bathtub for maintaining the temperature of the water used for bathing. The bathtub is comprised of an outer tub comprising an upper rim portion and a receptacle portion, as well as at least a first drain opening and an outlet; and, an inner tub comprising an upper rim portion and a receptacle portion, as well as a second drain opening. The inner tub is positioned within the outer tub such that the receptacle portion of the inner tub is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the receptacle portion of the outer tub, creating a hollow space between the two tubs. The upper rim portion of the inner tub is removably connected to the upper rim portion of the outer tub. At least one inlet is formed between the upper rim portion of the inner tub and the upper rim portion of the outer tub, for introducing a heated liquid to the hollow space. The first drain opening is for allowing a heated liquid introduced to the hollow space to exit therefrom, and the second drain opening is disposed within the outlet for allowing the water used for bathing, when contained in the receptacle portion of the inner tub, to exit through the second drain opening and the outlet.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hygiene. In particular, the present invention relates to bathtubs. More particularly, the present invention relates to bathtubs for young children. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to bathtubs that maintain the water contained therein at an elevated temperature for an extended period of time.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

When preparing to take a shower or bath, typically, an amount of time is spent adjusting the water to a desired setting. The knobs are turned clockwise and counter-clockwise accordingly, so as to allow a suitable balance of hot and cold water to run through the faucet or shower head. The bather generally tests the water temperature by use of a body part such as a finger or toe until it is determined that he would feel comfortable taking a shower or bath in water of that temperature.

After setting the water temperature as desired, the bather begins his shower or bath. With regards to a shower, depending on how long the water remains running, the hot water may begin to run out before the bather completes his shower. The bather will then re-adjust the knobs as desired, in order to continue his shower at a desirable temperature. With regards to a bath, most of the bath is preferably completed using the water with which the bathtub was filled prior to beginning the bath. However, depending on the length of the bath, the temperature of the water will likely cool to an undesirable temperature along the way. The bather may open the drain to allow a portion of the cool water to run out of the bathtub, while simultaneously allowing hot water to fill the bathtub to a comfortable temperature.

It is well known that when bathing children, particularly infants and toddlers, it is important that the water in the bathtub be at a reasonable temperature, far from either end of the thermal spectrum. The problem as described above regarding the cooling of the bathwater applies to both children and adults, however, with children, for whom sensitivity to uncomfortable water temperatures is greater, the problem is that much greater.

A conventional portable infant bathtub is typically mounted on a stand at a height comfortable for the parent, and the child is bathed in the tub. It is dangerous to add hot water to the bath while the child remains therein, since rapid changes in temperature can cause injury. If it is desired to remove water from the bathtub in order to replace it with warmer water the parent must lift the bath up and carry it to a location such as the adult-size fixed bathtub, toilet or sink, in order to spill the water out therein. Once this is done, the additional water may be added. This procedure adds time to the bathing process, something which many parents don't have enough of to spare!

Some attempts have been made to overcome the above-mentioned problems, however, numerous drawbacks are associated therewith. Examples of bathtubs that try to solve said problems with conventional bathtubs, are described herein below.

JP 2001224521 by Mimura, discloses a baby bathtub for elevating the temperature of the water in a bathtub, and discharging soap and residue floating in the bathtub without allowing remixing thereof. The bathtub has rows of flowing holes provided to the base of main body, and a hot water supply opening provided to a specific location in the main body to inject hot water from a mixing faucet. Such an arrangement may be dangerous to infants who are situated at the precise location of the entering hot water. Moreover, in order to supply a constant flow of how water to the bathtub, it must be stationed close to a faucet. The faucet must be fixedly attached to the bathtub throughout the bathing process, which can require that the bathtub as well as the adult who is bathing the child to have to be situated in an awkward position. In addition, an overflow part is provided at a specific location in an upper part of the bathtub, and a dam for adjusting the water level is provided on the overflow part. Such an arrangement adds complexities to the manufacturing process, which therefore adds to the costs involved with the same, which translate to higher consumer prices.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,075,471 by Sahloff, discloses a hot water preheated bathtub. The bathtub comprises skirt comprised of a hollow portion extending continuously around the elongated side walls and front wall of the bathtub. The rear wall of the bathtub comprises an inlet for allowing water to enter to the receptacle portion. The rear wall of each end of the skirt, planar with the rear wall of the bathtub comprises an upper inlet for introducing hot water thereto, and a lower inlet for allowing the hot water to exit therefrom after circulating therethrough. As with the Japanese patent document described above, in order for the Sahloff patent to work properly it must be attached to a piping system. Moreover, since one side of the bathtub as well as its floor is not enveloped by the skirt, the thermal insulation of the water within the receptacle portion of the bathtub is inefficient.

US 2008/0104746 by Stewart, discloses a bathtub system comprising a double walled bathtub. The space between the two walls comprises a heating mechanism for heating liquid introduced to said space, into a gas, thereby creating a steam/vapor bathtub. This gas is released through a plurality of openings situated along the inner of the two walls, thereby heating up the contents thereof. This system requires connection to a standard plumbing system as well as an electrical infrastructure in order to utilize all of its functions.

JP 2007236815 by Uchiyama, discloses a heat-retaining bathtub comprising a heat emitting body affixed externally to each of its side walls and bottom wall. The heat emitting body may be an electrical heating pad and hot water pipes.

WO 95/26481 by Wu, discloses an insulated bath comprised of a vessel having a continuous layer of polyurethane insulative foam over substantially the entire outside surface thereof. A method for manufacturing the vessel having the foam layer is also disclosed.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a portable bathtub for heating and maintaining the temperature of the water contained therein for an extended period of time.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a portable bathtub particularly suitable for infants.

It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a portable bathtub that may be utilized independent of any plumbing or electronic infrastructure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable bathtub that is inexpensive to manufacture.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are described in detail herein below.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable bathtub for at least maintaining the temperature of the water used for bathing, said bathtub comprised of:

-   -   an outer tub comprising an upper rim portion and a receptacle         portion,     -   and further comprising at least a first drain opening and an         outlet; and,     -   an inner tub comprising an upper rim portion and a receptacle         portion,     -   and further comprising a second drain opening;         wherein said inner tub is positioned within said outer tub such         that said receptacle portion of said inner tub is spaced apart a         predetermined distance from said receptacle portion of said         outer tub, creating a hollow space between said tubs, and         wherein said upper rim portion of said inner tub is removably         connected to said upper rim portion of said outer tub, and         wherein at least one inlet is formed between said upper rim         portion of said inner tub and said upper rim portion of said         outer tub, for introducing a heated liquid to said hollow space,         and wherein said first drain opening is for allowing a heated         liquid introduced to said hollow space to exit therefrom, and         wherein said second drain opening is disposed within said outlet         for allowing said water used for bathing, when contained in said         receptacle portion of said inner tub, to exit through said         second drain opening and said outlet.

The coupling device removably connects the upper rim portion of the inner tub to the upper rim portion of the outer tub. Preferably, the coupling device comprises a clip affixed to the inner tub, and removably affixable to the outer tub. Alternatively, the coupling device comprises a clip affixed to the outer tub, and removably affixable to the inner tub. Alternatively, the coupling device comprises an elastic belt positioned along the outer perimeter of the bathtub, between the upper rims, wherein the belt comprises an integral clip mechanism for fastening upper rims to each other.

Preferably, the inlet comprises a cover for selectively opening and closing said inlet. The cover preferably comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.

The bathtub further comprises a plug for selectively opening and closing the first drain opening, and a plug for selectively opening and closing the outlet and second drain opening.

Preferably, the outer tub comprises a transparent portion for allowing the amount of water contained in the hollow space to be visually detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the assembled bathtub of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the bathtub of the present invention in an exploded view;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the inner tub of the bathtub of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show the inlet of the bathtub of the present invention in a closed state (FIG. 4 a) and in an open state (FIG. 4 b);

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the bathtub of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the inner tub of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the lower portion of the front end of the bathtub of the present invention, illustrating the plugs used in the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of one plug of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows the bathtub of the present invention mounted on a foldable stand; and,

FIG. 10 shows the location on the underside of the bathtub at which the stand supports the bathtub

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

When bathing a small child or infant, it is important to maintain the bathwater at a comfortable temperature—not too hot, and not too cold. If the temperature of the water is too high, the child's sensitive skin may get scolded, whereas if the temperature of the water is too low, the child is liable to catch a cold. Since it is generally not efficient or a simple matter to change or add water that has cooled too much when bathing a child, these baths are often hurried so that the problems associated with cooling water are not encountered. Nevertheless, depending on the length of the bath and temperature in the room, it is often the case that water cools while bathing a child. The present invention provides a portable bathtub, particularly suitable for a small child, which heats and maintains the temperature of the water within a bathtub at a level comfortable for the child, for an extended period of time.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the portable bathtub of the present invention is shown in an assembled view in FIG. 1 and in an exploded view in FIG. 2, and generally designated by numeral (100). With reference particularly to FIG. 2, bathtub (100) comprises an inner tub (110) having an upper rim portion (112) and a receptacle portion (114), and an outer tub (120) having an upper rim portion (122) and a receptacle portion (124). When assembled, as seen in FIG. 1, inner tub (110) is positioned within outer tub (120), as further described herein below.

Bathtub (100) is preferably manufactured from plastic or any other lightweight durable material. Each tub (110), (120) is preferably manufactured from a single piece of material, not including the inlet cover, clips or plug components, as described herein below.

Still referring to FIG. 1, inner tub (110) is removably connected to outer tub (120) via a coupling device, shown in this embodiment as a clip mechanism (130), a plurality of which are affixed along upper rim (122) of outer tub (120) (see FIG. 2), and are fastened to upper rim (112) of inner tub (110) to maintain the two tubs (110), (120) rigidly joined (and preferably water tight) when assembled. Suitable notches and/or grooves are appropriately situated along upper rim (112), so as to be able to receive clip mechanisms (130). Seven clip mechanisms (130) are utilized in the preferred embodiment, however it is understood that fewer of more clip mechanisms (130) may be used depending on factors such as the size of bathtub (100).

In an alternative embodiment, clip mechanisms (130) are affixed along upper rim (112) of inner tub (110) and are fastened to upper rim (122) of outer tub (120), depending on design and/or manufacturing considerations. In a further alternative embodiment upper rims (112), (122) are fastened together via a coupling device comprising an elastic belt (or, band) (not shown) that runs along the outer perimeter and between upper rims (112), (122). The belt may comprise an integral clip mechanism for fastening to upper rims (112), (122) or may alternatively comprise a clip mechanism such as (130) of the preferred embodiment, wherein the clip mechanism is joined with the belt and fastens to upper rims (112), (122).

Referring again to FIG. 2, upper rims (112), (122) are aligned with each other via a male-female arrangement. An elongated protrusion (126) extends orthogonally upward from upper rim (122) of outer tub (120) along the longitudinal sides of tub (120). As seen in FIG. 3, a corresponding elongated groove (116) runs along the bottom surface of upper rim (112) of inner tub (110), at the longitudinal sides of tub (110), for receiving elongated protrusion (126). Elongated protrusion (126) and elongated groove (116) may extend along at least a portion of respective upper rims (122), (112) or entirely along respective upper rims (122), (112).

One of the main advantages associated with the present invention includes the ability to separate the two tubs (110), (120) from each other. Prior art double walled bathtubs comprise inner and outer tubs (or corresponding components) that are permanently or integrally created as a single unit. The ability to separate the tubs from each other enables the user to clean hidden surfaces and crevices, thereby preventing build-up of mold or other bacteria.

As seen in FIG. 2, the back portion of upper rim (122) comprises a depression (128), and the back portion of upper rim (112) comprises a hump (118). As seen in FIG. 4 a, an inlet (140) is formed when inner tub (110) and outer tub (120) are joined. Inlet (140) is shown in FIG. 4 a in a closed state, and in FIG. 4 b, in an open state. Inlet (140) is an opening for allowing a heated liquid, such as water, to be introduced therethrough, into the hollow space created between inner tub (110) and outer tub (120) when bathtub (100) is assembled, as described in greater detail herein below. Although only a single inlet (140) is shown in the figures of the present invention, it is understood that more than one inlet may be formed in the bathtub of the present invention according to design and structural considerations. According to the preferred embodiment, inlet (140) is large enough to accommodate a shower head to be inserted therein for the purpose of filling up the hollow space with water.

The cover (142) of inlet (140) comprises a plurality of ventilation openings (144) for allowing vapor created by the evaporation of the heated liquid to exit from the hollow space, when inlet (140) is in a closed state. Moreover, ventilation openings (144) assist in reducing build-up of mold or other bacteria, which typically occurs when liquid is stored in enclosed areas.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of assembled bathtub (100) taken along its longitudinal axis. As mentioned herein above, a hollow space (150) is created between inner tub (110) and outer tub (120) when bathtub (100) is assembled. Hollow space (150) is essentially the area within receptacle portion (124) of outer tub (120), reduced in size by the walls of receptacle portion (114) of inner tub (110). After filling receptacle portion (114) of inner tub (110) with water in preparation for bathing a small child, inlet cover (142) is opened and a heated liquid such as water, is introduced to hollow space (150) through inlet (140). The heated liquid is added preferably until the entire hollow space that surrounds the walls of receptacle portion (114) is filled. Preferably a portion of the outer wall of receptacle portion (124) of outer tub (120) comprises a transparent area to allow the user to visually detect the amount of heated liquid within hollow space (150).

Alternatively, a heated liquid may be introduced to hollow space (150) prior to filling receptacle portion (114) of inner tub (110) with water.

The heated liquid provides a combined effect of heating up the contents of receptacle portion (114) to a desirable temperature as well as maintaining the contents of receptacle portion (114) within a desired temperature range for an extended period of time.

As best seen in FIG. 2, receptacle portion (124) of outer tub (120) comprises two openings—a first drain opening (121) for allowing the heated liquid contained within hollow space (150) to exit therethrough, and an outlet (123) for allowing the water contained within receptacle portion (114) to exit therethrough, as described herein below.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, inner tub (110) comprises a vertically oriented channel (111), protruding outward from the front wall of tub (110), comprising a second drain opening (113) at the lower end of channel (111) for allowing the water contained within receptacle portion (114) to exit therethrough. As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, second drain opening (113) at the lower end of channel (111) juts outward so that it may fit within outlet (123) in outer tub (120). Additional outlets may be present in outer tub (120) according to design and manufacturing considerations.

FIG. 7 shows a first plug (161) disposed in first drain opening (121), and a second plug (163) disposed in outlet (123). Plugs (161), (163) may comprise any form of stopper for plugging up openings (121), (123) and second drain opening (113) (see FIG. 5). A cross-sectional view of plug (163) is shown in FIG. 8, illustrating the form of stopper used in the present invention, wherein plug (163) comprises a handle portion (165) hingedly joined to outlet (123) via integral flexible hinge (167), and a plug portion (169) for positioning within outlet (123). Each plug (161), (163) is preferably manufactured from one integral piece of material.

In a preferred embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, bathtub (100) is part of a bathing system (200) also comprising a foldable stand (170). Stand (170) allows the adult who bathes the small child to stand during the bathing process, thereby preventing fatigue as a result of bending down and/or maneuvering in an awkward position. Stand (170) is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. A preferred embodiment of stand (170) comprises two u-shaped components (172 a), (172 b), whose free ends form the legs of stand (170) and whose shoulders (174) (see FIG. 10, only one shoulder shown) form the mounting portion on which bathtub (100) is mounted. The bottom surface (129) of the upper rim portion (122) of the outer tub (120) at each longitudinal side of tub (120) comprises an elongated groove (125) corresponding to elongated protrusion (126) as described herein above, for receiving each shoulder (174).

It is understood that the above description of the embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or forms disclosed, as many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims. 

1. A portable bathtub for at least maintaining the temperature of the water used for bathing, said bathtub comprised of: a. an outer tub comprising an upper rim portion and a receptacle portion, and further comprising at least a first drain opening and an outlet; and, b. an inner tub comprising an upper rim portion and a receptacle portion, and further comprising a second drain opening; wherein said inner tub is positioned within said outer tub such that said receptacle portion of said inner tub is spaced apart a predetermined distance from said receptacle portion of said outer tub, creating a hollow space between said tubs, and wherein said upper rim portion of said inner tub is removably connected to said upper rim portion of said outer tub, and wherein at least one inlet is formed between said upper rim portion of said inner tub and said upper rim portion of said outer tub, for introducing a heated liquid to said hollow space, and wherein said first drain opening is for allowing a heated liquid introduced to said hollow space to exit therefrom, and wherein said second drain opening is disposed within said outlet for allowing said water used for bathing, when contained in said receptacle portion of said inner tub, to exit through said second drain opening and said outlet.
 2. The portable bathtub according to claim 1, wherein a coupling device removably connects the upper rim portion of the inner tub to the upper rim portion of the outer tub.
 3. The portable bathtub according to claim 2, wherein the coupling device comprises a clip affixed to the inner tub, and removably affixable to the outer tub.
 4. The portable bathtub according to claim 2, wherein the coupling device comprises a clip affixed to the outer tub, and removably affixable to the inner tub.
 5. The portable bathtub according to claim 2, wherein the coupling device comprises an elastic belt positioned along the outer perimeter of said bathtub, between the upper rims, wherein said belt comprises an integral clip mechanism for fastening upper rims to each other.
 6. The portable bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the inlet comprises a cover for selectively opening and closing said inlet.
 7. The portable bathtub according to claim 6, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.
 8. The portable bathtub according to claim 1, further comprising a plug for selectively opening and closing the first drain opening.
 9. The portable bathtub according to claim 1, further comprising a plug for selectively opening and closing the outlet and second drain opening.
 10. The portable bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the outer tub comprises a transparent portion for allowing the amount of water contained in the hollow space to be visually detected.
 11. A portable bathtub system comprising: a. the portable bathtub according to claims 1-10; and, b. a foldable stand for mounting said bathtub thereon.
 12. The bathtub system according to claim 11, wherein the stand comprises two u-shaped components, wherein each component comprises two legs and a shoulder for joining integrally joining said legs together, wherein one leg of one components is pivotally coupled with one leg of the other component for selectively rotating between a collapsed position and an open position.
 13. The bathtub system according to claim 12, wherein the bathtub further comprises an elongated groove in the bottom surface of the upper rim portion of the outer tub at each longitudinal side of said tub, for positioning the shoulder of one of each stand components therein, when the stand is in the open position. 